06-28-21 ESC Resolution HandoutWA-evC)61;st 54 rte—
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP C MMITTFE (ESC)
OF THE cirri OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA, IN SUPPOR1 O ' KEEPING THE
CURRENT ELEVEN (11) MEMBER BOARD SIZE THE ORIGINAL INTENT OP
ELEVEN (11) MEMBERS IS TO PROVIDE DIVERSE EXPERTISE, FINANCIAL
SAVINGS TO C11',' OF ATLANTIC BEACH, SUBSTANTIAL WORK COMPLETED IN
SUBCOMMITTEES, AND PROVIDE BROAD INPUT FROM CITIZENS
WHEREAS, the FISC values and respects the original authors of the ordinancho spent many hour,
debating size and intent of ordinance and expressly requested a 11 person ,ommittee; and
WHEREAS, there is a strong and proven need for diverse e peruse and perspectives for the multitude of
complex issues on which the ESC reviews and advises on a monthly basis, We are advisors on the study,
protection and maintenance of, as well as, the motivating and coordinating body for four major
responsibilities of the City: Maritime Forest. Patks and Open Space, Beautification of Public and Private
Spaces and Environmental Stewardship,
WHEREAS, the current diverse membership expertise includes the following: Landscape Architecture;
Environmental Law; Resource Economics and Policy; Natural Resources and Conservation; Physics;
Oceanography; Engineering; N4arketing and Communications; Culture and Arts; Anthropology and
Ethnobiology; Grant Writing and Community Youth Initiatives, Small Business Owner, Science -Based
Sustainability Metrics; Pollution Studies and Environmental Management; ancl more; and
WHEREAS, with citizens serving on the ESC who are subject matter experts, the City is benefiting from
this volunteered expertise and engagement conserving financial resources by not hiring consultants; and
WHEREAS, before the pandemic, the ESC never had a quorum issue. A reduction in members to
improve effectivenessw.nuld limit ESL's efficacy through a decrease in its depth and breadth of collective
knowledge. Additionally this reduction if based on the few occasions we did not meet quorum
requirements during the pandemic due to health and safety concern._ (members were available online),
seems counterproductive' and
HEREAS, staff assigned to assist the ESC have a set schedule of regular meetings and posting notices
typical of regular citizen -based committees. To the FSC's knowledge. this coordination does not seem to
pose an undue burden on City staff; and
WHEREAS, reducing citizen engagement. is contrary to good government and detrimental when we need
more and not less engagement to aid in resolving issues associated with complex issues.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved by the I-vironmental Stewardship Committee of the City of
Atlantic Beach:
SECTION 1. The ESC strongly opposes the idea of reducing its committee size and would like to remain
the same size of eleven (11) members.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the ESC, this 9'` day of lune, :'021.